Page 72 of Moonlight Feels Right
"You sound like an aggressive lawyer."
"Former. Georgetown Law," Lexie admitted.
Emmalyn watched their exchange with surprise and curiosity. Lexie rarely mentioned her previous career, and she didn't usually look at men with that particular blend of irritation and intrigue. Grayson Holt had definitely rubbed her the wrong way.
Josie cleared her throat. "Why don't I show you around, Grayson? May I call you Grayson?"
"Of course," he said as he followed Josie across the courtyard.
"What was that about?" she asked Lexie. "I thought we were supposed to charm him."
She let out an annoyed sigh. "I know. Aunt Josie is going to be pissed. But I have met so many men like him, smug and condescending. He just…bugged me."
"I can see that."
"I should go apologize."
"Maybe take a breath before you attempt that," she advised. "Let him meet some other people who aren't so angry."
"You're right. I hope I didn't mess things up."
"I doubt a few sharp words from one person will affect his decision. He seems very focused on numbers and facts."
"Our numbers are good," Lexie said.
"Then that's what you need to show him, because he clearly doesn't care that we have a community here."
"You're right. I'm going to get the file Ava sent me yesterday. She did a financial analysis for us. Maybe he can take that with him on the plane. At least it will give him something else to think about."
"Good idea."
As Lexie left, Hunter, Bree, and Olivia came out of Hunter's apartment. She straightened, putting a smile on her face as they came around the pool.
"Emmalyn," Olivia yelled, letting go of her mom's hand to run to her. "Did you hear that we're going to live here? We're on the second floor like you are. And we have two bedrooms. I get to have my own room, and Hunter says I can get new unicorn sheets that will fit my bed instead of his."
She smiled at that, thinking they'd been exceptionally lucky to find those sheets in a king-size. "I'm so happy you'll be staying."
"I can still go to Ravenswood and be friends with Henry and see you all the time."
"That's perfect," she said, moving her gaze to Hunter and Bree.
Hunter wasn't giving much away. Bree looked a little uncomfortable and possibly defensive. She couldn't do anything about Hunter's tension, but she wanted to ease Bree's. "Hunter mentioned that you might need a few things, Bree, and I asked around and some of your fellow neighbors have extra items they are happy to get rid of. You'd be doing them a favor if you wanted anything. So far, I've found a TV, a kitchen table and chairs, and a kid's desk. It's actually Henry's desk. He just got a new one."
"Hunter mentioned you wanted to help us get set up. That's very generous," Bree said, uncertainty in her dark eyes. "I don't quite know what to say. Why would anyone here want to help me? You don't even know me."
"Because we've all fallen in love with your daughter, and we want the best for both of you. Plus, a lot of us who live here have had to start over at one time or another. We know what it's like to have support when we need it, and we'd like to offer that to you."
Bree looked overwhelmed by her words, her gaze moving to Hunter.
He gave a nod. "I told you this place is great, Bree. They helped me heal, and maybe they can do the same for you."
"I hope you don't think I'm overstepping," Emmalyn added hastily. "You don't have to take anything, Bree. Maybe you want all new things. That's totally understandable."
"No. I appreciate anything that anyone wants to get rid of. That will help a lot."
"So I can have Henry's desk, Mommy?" Olivia asked. "Can we get it now?"
"No, we're going shopping for food," Bree said. "We'll get it later. Thank you, Emmalyn. Olivia has been raving about how nice you are. I can see she didn't exaggerate."
